NBA Mock Draft 2008: Early Predictions

The lottery results are in, folks, and Chicago is the big winner in this draft, moving up from the No. 9 projected pick to the No. 1 pick.

The losers in the lottery? Well, pretty much everyone that moved down a spot, but the biggest loser clearly had to be the Seattle (or Oklahoma City) Sonics. They moved down from No. 2 projected to the No. 4 spot.

But don't be discouraged, Sonics fans; this draft is very deep in talent and, although there is a difference from the top-two picks and the other 12, I think that every lottery team in this year's draft will come away with a very good player.

Early predictions for the top-10 picks in the 2008 NBA Draft:

1. Chicago - This is by far the toughest decision in this year's draft. Both Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley are two really great players.

I think this pick might actually dictate what Chicago does with Ben Gordon and Luol Deng. If the Bulls pick Derrick Rose, look for them to give Luol Deng the money he wants and deserves. But if Chicago goes with Michael Beasley, look for Chicago to resign Ben Gordon and maybe let go of Deng, since they already have Tyrus Thomas at the forward spot, as well.

My guess is that Chicago is going to go with Derrick Rose. Derrick Rose is from the Chicago area and has that Chicago kid toughness, like Dwyane Wade. Especially after sitting at home and watching Deron Williams and Chris Paul lead their teams into the playoffs with great performances, Chicago would be hardpressed not to pick the hometown kid.

With the No. 1 pick, the Chicago Bulls select Derrick Rose.

2. Miami - The Miami Heat are in the same position as the Seattle Supersonics were in last year. Depending on what the No. 1 team does, they will take the "other" guy. And that other guy this year is Michael Beasley.

Michael Beasley will give them easily 15-to-20-plus points per game with about 7-to-9 rebounds a game. The guy can play. Is he a three or a four? Doesn't really matter. Put him anywhere and he's going to give you production. Apparently there are some character issues with him, but with Dwyane Wade there along with Shawn Marion to be his mentor, I don't think there will be any problems with that. Just like Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley will be a star in this league and potentially the Rookie of the Year.

With the No. 2 pick, the Miami Heat select Michael Beasley.

3. Minnesota - Minnesota is in an interesting position here. Where do they go? Do they go big or small? The T'wolves are stacked with a lot of potential filled players, but that's just potential.

I think they need more than potential; they need someone who can come in and produce right away. I think Brook Lopez can be that guy. He's 7'0" with decent mobility, and he's able to bang. He's still very raw in my estimation, and still has a lot of potential—more than his brother, at least. They could probably start him right away and expect 10-to-12 points a game with about 8-to-9 rebounds and maybe a block or two. This pick would just fill a void that they have at the center spot and will be a good building block.

With the No. 3 pick, the Minnesota Timberwolves select Brook Lopez.

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